A Celebration of Legacy, Community, and the Future

Today we stand at a crossroads of history and hope, as three milestones converge into one unforgettable celebration:

• The Closing of International Library Week 2026
• The 38th Anniversary of our beloved Library
• The Handover Ceremony of the Direct Aid Program

We honor the visionaries who laid this foundation, and we celebrate the hands and hearts that continue to nurture it. Their dedication reminds us that a library thrives because of its people. In addition, beyond these walls, it thrives because of you, our community, our supporters, our friends.

As we close International Library Week, we do not simply end a program, we carry forward its spirit. As we mark 38 years of service, we do not only look back, we look ahead to the next generation of learners. For nearly four decades, our library has been more than walls and shelves. It has been a living heartbeat of our community, a place where children discover the joy of reading, where students find guidance for their dreams, and where families gather to share culture and connection. Each milestone we celebrate today is a reminder that this library is not only a keeper of books, but a keeper of stories, values, and aspirations.

As part of the celebration of our 38th Anniversary, we have the honor of having Professor Susan Moses as our guest speaker. Mrs. Moses’ lifelong dedication to education and literacy has touched countless lives in Pohnpei and across Micronesia. From developing reading materials in the Pohnpeian language to leading programs that strengthened inclusive learning, her vision reflects the very mission of our library. It is with deep gratitude that we invite her to share her words with us on this 38th Anniversary of the Friends of the Pohnpei Public Library. Our heartfelt thank you to Professor Moses for the simple yet engaging speech.

Moreover, as we accept the Direct Aid Program, we do not just receive support, we embrace the responsibility to keep this library alive, vibrant, and welcoming. The Direct Aid Program (DAP) represents far more than financial support. It is a symbol of trust, partnership, and the belief that investing in knowledge is investing in the future. It reflects the strength of collaboration between governments, organizations, and the people who walk through our library doors every day. Friends of the Pohnpei Public Library is deeply fortunate to have been selected as a recipient of this program. This honor is not just about funding, it is about recognition of the vital role our library plays in preserving culture, nurturing education, and strengthening community bonds. This year’s project, “the Friends of the Pohnpei Public Library Heritage Preservation and Digitisation Project Partnership”, embodies that shared commitment. It is a promise to safeguard our stories, our traditions, and our collective memory, while opening new pathways for future generations to access and learn from them. We are deeply honored to welcome Chargé d’Affaires Mrs. Sarah McCarthy, together with Senior Program Manager Mrs. Roan Capacungan, representing the Australian Embassy in presenting this generous funding. On behalf of the Board and Staff of the Pohnpei Public Library, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for this invaluable support.

May this day remind us of the joy of learning, the strength of community, and the promise of the future. Together, we celebrate not only what has been achieved, but also what is yet to come.

Kalahngan, thank you, and let us continue this journey together. 

Final Day of Library Week Celebration

On the final day of our Library Week celebration, we were delighted to welcome a small but lively group of seven students from ESDM School in Madolenihmw, Early Childhood Education. Though few in number, the children brought vibrant energy into the library—they were cheerful, playful, and not shy at all, filling the space with laughter and joyful moments.

The visit featured an engaging storytelling session, where the children listened with curiosity and excitement to a history story about two young brothers named Soulepwelepwehki and Soukepinalo. The story captured their attention and sparked their imagination as they followed along with great interest.

What made the experience even more special was when some of the children confidently shared their own stories afterward. It was both fun and heartwarming to hear about their morning routines—simple, everyday moments that brought smiles and laughter to everyone present. 

The children also participated in interactive activities that encouraged creativity and active involvement. Their confidence, humor, and eagerness to share made the visit truly memorable.

To make the day even more meaningful, each child received a small gift as a token of appreciation for joining us. It was a wonderful way to conclude Library Week—surrounded by bright young minds, laughter, and a shared love for reading.

Day 3 of International Library Week 2026

On the third day of our celebration, we welcomed the smallest group of the week—Early Childhood Education (ECE) students from Wapar, located at the far end of Madolenihmw. Though small in number, their energy filled the Library. They were both lively and a little shy, bringing a unique and heartwarming spirit to the day’s activities.

Kalahngan to Wapar ECE for joining us in this year’s events. Your presence added meaning to our celebration, and without you, the success of this week would not have been complete.

We believe the joy you experienced at the Library will stay with you. As you grow, you will come to better understand the important role the Library plays in your educational journey and future aspirations. The seeds of curiosity planted during your visit will continue to flourish, guiding you toward a lifelong appreciation for knowledge and culture.

The Library is honored to have welcomed you under the theme “Find Your Joy.” Your participation reminds us that joy is found not only in books and stories, but also in the shared experiences of community, culture, and learning.

Day 2 of International Library Week 2026

Under the theme “Find Your Joy,” we were honored to welcome Early Childhood Education (ECE) students from Wone School to the Library. The Children’s Section once again came alive with excitement, laughter, and eager young minds ready to explore.

The students actively participated in a variety of engaging activities designed to promote a love for reading, listening, and learning in a fun and supportive environment. Our library staff delivered another meaningful storytelling session, sharing Pohnpeian tales that captured the children’s attention and sparked their imagination. Through storytelling, the students were not only entertained but also encouraged to develop early literacy skills and a deeper appreciation for stories. In line with our efforts to promote cultural awareness, traditional Pohnpeian storytelling remained an important part of the experience. These stories continue to serve as a bridge connecting young learners to their heritage, reinforcing the idea that the Library is a place where culture, knowledge, and community come together. 

The day was also filled with interactive games and group activities that encouraged creativity, teamwork, and social interaction. The children’s enthusiasm and joyful participation made the experience both memorable and rewarding for everyone involved. 

To close the visit, each student received a small token of appreciation, a simple reminder that their learning journey is valued and that the Library is always a welcoming space for them. We extend our sincere gratitude to the teachers and students of Wone School for being part of our Library Week celebration. Their presence added energy and joy to our second day, and we look forward to continuing this wonderful week of learning, culture, and community engagement.